The Cost of Youth

The big English clubs are writing some big cheques here in the early days of the transfer season. What’s different this time is that they are paying top dollar to pick up young players, as in under 21. Manchester United has put paid on a 17 million pound deal for 19-year-old Phil Jones. Not to be deterred, this year’s Premiership comeback kids Liverpool splashed out 20 million pounds on 20-year-old Joe Henderson.

With rumours regarding Everton’s 19-year-old academy prodigy Jack Rodwell abounding, it would appear the big Premiership clubs are looking to rejuvenate their ranks in order to compete both at a local and European level.

The young players are winning the limelight on these shores as well. This year’s Absa Premiership player of the year, 21-year-old Thulani Cerero is drawing all kinds of attention from overseas, showing that when the market for players at their professional peak (25 to 28) is so ridiculously inflated, the one for the youngsters follows suit. Certainly clubs will trot out the well-worn “investing in youth” line, but simple economics is behind this summer’s expensive young acquisitions. The only question is will the bubble pop?